According to sources Microsoft's UK managing director Neil Holloway has been shifted to a European post and Alistair Baker is taking over his job. Baker was previously group director for small and mid-market solutions and partners.

Neil Holloway becomes vice president of sales, marketing and services for EMEA. Holloway has run UK operations for the software giant since 1998.

Baker joined Microsoft in 1996 as country manager for Scotland. He has long experience in the industry having worked for HP, IBM and Morse before joining Microsoft.

Microsoft UK refused to confirm the appointment but acknowledged that Neil Holloway has moved.

A Microsoft spokesperson said: "Microsoft can confirm that it is close to finalising the appointment of a new Managing Director of the UK subsidiary. We will be releasing full details as soon as the appointment is official." ®